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I like to get to the point and tell it like it is, for better or for worse.
Hope you find some of her #bosslady tips and tricks useful.
Jessica Alba: Hi, babe.
Thanks for talking with me.
This will be short and painless.
So, how did you get your start?
It was the number one downloaded fashion podcast on all of iTunes for its whole four-season run.
Hillary and I also co-authoredWho What Wear: Celebrity and Runway Style for Real LifeandWhat to Wear Where.
We launchedDomaineHome.comfor all things home andByrdie.comfor all things beauty in 2013.
JA: What is the most important part of your daily routine as a boss?
I have to get at least 7 hours of sleep.
Second to that is my workout, which helps my productivity.
I cant think as clearly without taking that hour at the beginning of the day to do it.
Those two things are crucial for my balance.
JA: At what point in your career did you figure that out?
KP:Actually, just last year it really clicked into place.
Exercise wakes me up and gets my juices flowing.
I get my best ideas working out or on the drive back from the gym to the house.
JA: And how do you remember those ideas?
KP:Well, I obsess on them the whole class.
Thats something that Cash [my husband] cant relate to at all.
KP:Right, and why not get the ball rolling?
JA: It forces you to follow up.
KP:Thats how I send you random emails all the time.
Have you done this?
What do you think about this?
JA: [laughs] Its true.
What is your key go-to outfit if you have a meeting and have to look professional during the day?
How do you carry that into night?
Its something you should have in multiple colors.
I know you feel the same way.
Now that’s a #bosslady.
JA: What about a bag?
Do you have the same bag day to night?
KP:I do, unless Im going to a cocktail event.
I think its acceptable when its clear that everyones going out after the office.
Because I choose a pretty classic black bag, I can wear it with anything.
JA: OK: A blazer, a red lipstick, and a classic bag.
KP:You gotta have a red lip.
Currently, I’m using the limited-editionNARS Cinematic Lipstick in Short Circuit($24).
A scarlet-red lip makes an otherwise-bare face pop.
What are you doing 10 minutes before?
KP:Ill often go for a hot cup of chamomile teaanytime I have anxiety, really.
It forces you to take a certain kind of breath.
JA: So you carry chamomile tea bags in your purse?
KP:No, but I have them at the office.
What do you do?
A deep breath in, hold it for a few seconds, blow it out.
You breathe in for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7, and blow out for 8.
It calms your heartbeat.
JA: I like that.
So, how important is it to prepare?
You should be able to understand the business; dont ask me how I started the company.
You should look that up before you come in and know the story.
With the Internet, you have access to all this information.
JA: I think thats useful.
While I do think its helpful to research the individual, verify you dont cross the line.
Let them open up to you.
KP:Dont comment about a recent Instagram post of their meal on Sunday night.
JA: I think thats very useful.
KP:If youre interviewing, keep that profile clean.
I WILL STALK YOU.
Ill look at all your platforms.
JA: [laughs] Right!
If someones coming in to interview for you, youre spying on their social feed.
You recommend people pull off anything thats questionable or scandalous.
KP:Yes, or just make your profile private, you know?
But your social media can also help you.
No matter what position someone has in my company, I like to know that they have good taste.
JA: Oh, okay.
So, your social feeds are a reflection of you.
They tell your employer who you are, what you might do, and what your lens is.
Use that to show your point of view.
Its also interesting to see people who do things for themselves outside of their job.
Its just another way for me to see their point of view and aesthetic.
JA: Whats a perfect breakfast if you have a full day of running around?
KP:Ill give you my favorite morning smoothie recipe, my own special recipe.
Its made with green tea.
I buy matcha green tea powder.
Its so energizing, but also healthy.
Yes, we’ll drink to that.
JA: OK, so thats your pre-workout.
KP:One egg on a piece of toast and some avocado.
JA: And how much water do you drink throughout the day?
KP:I drink 4 personal size bottles a day.
16.9 fluid ounces, 4 times a day.
JA: Oh, wow.
Thank you so much for talking with me!
I need to get my water on…
KP:[laughs] Of course!
Next week, Ill take on a few of your questions.
Also, who do you want me to interview next?
I’d love to ask her a question from you.
Hit me up below or Tweet/FB/Insta me using #LetsBeHonest.
Image Credit:Mike Rosenthal; Courtesy of Jessica Alba/Instagram
